Hanuman kept watch, crouching in the branches of a tree, and at length he found it possible to approach her in secret. At first she feared that Ravana had assumed the form of Hanuman to deceive her, but she was reassured when the vanara spy showed her the ring of Rama and related how greatly he sorrowed because she had been taken from him. Then was her heart touched with sorrow mingled with joy.

Hanuman offered to carry her away, but in her modesty she refused to touch the body of any male being save Rama. She took from her hair a bright jewel which she gave to Hanuman as a token, and she said that Ravana had allowed her but two months to live if she refused to yield to him.

~ ~ ~

"'Tis no dream's deceitful whisper!" Hanuman spake to the dame,
As from darksome leafy shelter he to Rama's consort came.

"Rama's messenger and vassal, token from thy lord I bring:
Mark this bright ring, jewel-lettered with the dear name of thy king,

"For the loved and cherished Sita is to Rama ever dear,
And he sends his loving message, and his force is drawing near!

Sita held that tender token from her loved and cherished lord,
And once more herself she fancied to his loving arms restored,

And her pallid face was lighted and her soft eye sent a spark
As the Moon regains her lustre, freed from Rahu's shadows dark —

And with voice of deep emotion in each softly whispered word
Spake her thoughts in gentle accents of her consort and her lord.

"Messenger of love of Rama! Dauntless is thy deed and bold.
Thou hast crossed the boundless ocean to the Raksha's castled hold;